The EH Industries EH101 Merlin was designed as a result of an SKR (Sea King Replacement) study by the MoD in 1977. Westland Helicopters designed the WG.34 to meet the requirement. The Italian Navy had a similar requirement, & it was proposed that Westland & Agusta Helicopters of Italy should collaborate to produce a helicopter to meet both requirements. The Fleet Air Arm needed a helicopter capable of operations from warships, but the Italian Navy needed a shore-based helicopter. Westland & Agusta formed EH Industries (Elicotteri Helicopter Industries) to design, test, produce & market a helicopter based on the WG.34 as the EH101 Merlin.

The RN & Italian Navy needed a multi-role helicopter capable of offensive, defensive & support tasks, which had to have troop-carrying capabilities & SSM-compatible radar. Canada also became interested in the project, & required an all-weather SAR helicopter. EHI decided to produce the Merlin in three variants: Naval, Military Utility & Cormorant.

All variants have three engines & comprehensive safety systems, including advanced anti-icing systems. The Naval variant can be used for ASW, Anti-Shipping, Assault Transport, SAR & AEW as well as a number of other tasks. It has a 360º Search & Tracking radar, a variable-depth sonar, a rescue hoist, a Sonobuoy Dispenser & various electronics systems including ESM, a Data Link & a Mission Console with 4 full-colour displays. The Naval Merlin can carry up to 30 fully equipped Marines or 10,000lbs of cargo in any weather or various depth charges, torpedoes & SSMs.

The Military Utility variant can be used for Troop Deployment, Logistic Support, Casevac, Vertrep, CSAR (Combat SAR) & Command & Control, & can carry 40 equipped troops, 16 stretchers, bulky cargo or a light vehicle & its crew as well as an under-slung load.

Finally, the Cormorant is equipped for SAR & Disaster Relief. It has stretchers, a hospital bed & medical equipment & rescue winches.

The Merlin has a range of 1,000km (540nm), a top speed of 280km/h (150kts) & 5-hour endurance. It can also be equipped with armoured crashworthy crew seats, gun positions in the doors, FLIR, rear crew seats & there is also a future requirement for stub wings to be fixed to the fuselage of the Utility Variant to allow it to carry weapons (e.g Brimstone ATMs & Rockets)

The Merlin is the most powerful helicopter ever designed in Western Europe, & has been designed to provide maximum safety, high performance & versatility. The Fleet Air Arm, RAF & Italian Navy will operate the military variants, with additional military & commercial orders expected. The Merlin is one of the most advanced helicopters in the world, & is entering service this year.

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